Achieving a glowing smile may seem easier than ever thanks to at-home whitening products. However, there’s no guarantee, which is why a professional teeth whitening is the best way to achieve solid, lasting results. Different factors play into which approach is best for you, with convenience and price being the primary ones, so consider the pros and cons of each below.

DIY Whitening

Manufacturers continue to introduce new and improved home teeth whitening products to the market. In many cases, DIY whitening is effective for basic surface stains if you already have white teeth. However, they can be complicated, take time, and don’t always come with a guarantee. Most whitening products use a one-size-fits-all tray for the whitening gel. Everyone’s mouth is different, so you’re rarely getting total coverage. In other cases, you may actually be irritating or damaging your gums because of a poor fit. This approach also takes multiple sessions—usually weeks—though you don’t have to leave home to achieve results.

Professional Whitening

The primary difference with a professional whitening is that an experienced dentist is handling the job. They know the best techniques, have the latest products and tools, and customize the entire process to your mouth. Before beginning, they’ll make a mold of your teeth. This ensures no gum irritation and complete coverage. They also use industry-quality whitening solutions and tools, and most importantly, get immediate results. In most cases, you’ll leave the office after one session with superior results than those achieved after weeks of at-home treatment.

Lowitz & Meier is proud to treat patients of all ages in Cincinnati, OH. They provide comprehensive dental care, including cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening, as well as oral surgery. Their highly trained staff makes a point to build long-term relationships with patients, as well as to help them achieve lasting, healthy smiles. Call (513) 521-8900 today to schedule an appointment and visit their website and Facebook page to learn more about their practice.